Nagpur: Bar Council of India (BCI) on Monday granted conditional approval to eligible law colleges across the state for the 2026–27 academic session, ensuring that admissions under the ongoing Centralised Admission Process (CAP) are not disrupted.The decision comes against the backdrop of the CAP Round-I option-form deadline having been extended until Aug 11. BCI stated that an “immediate and exceptional arrangement” was necessary to ensure that eligible law colleges and students were not prejudiced because of the time required to complete the statutory approval process.The order, issued by Justice Rajendra Menon, co-chairperson of BCI’s Legal Education Committee, makes it clear that the relaxation is a one-time measure applicable only to Maharashtra and only for the 2026–27 academic session.Conditional approval has been granted to existing eligible law colleges for their law courses, approved sections and student intake, subject to verification of valid university affiliation and Bar Council’s existing records.Colleges will have to complete the prescribed approval process on BCI’s portal by Aug 31. Institutions must upload all required documents, furnish prescribed information and pay all applicable fees. The order warns that failure to complete the process could result in withholding, modification, suspension or withdrawal of the approval and further action in accordance with law.The apex body clarified that the conditional approval does not waive or regularise any pending approvals or financial liabilities relating to previous academic sessions.Existing law colleges already registered on BCI portal have been directed to apply online for extension of approval, while institutions not yet registered have been asked to seek registration by emailing the Legal Education Department.BCI has directed its Legal Education Department to immediately communicate the order to all universities, law colleges and other concerned authorities in Maharashtra. It has also permitted the order to be circulated to the media.Key Takeaways:BCI granted conditional approval to existing law colleges in the state for the 2026–27 academic session.This relief is a one-time measure applicable only to Maharashtra and does not create a precedent.Aims to prevent disruption of the ongoing CAP admissions, whose deadline was extended to Aug 11.Eligible colleges must complete BCI approval process on the online portal by Aug 31, 2026.The approval remains subject to valid university affiliation and verification of BCI records.The order does not waive pending fees or regularisation requirements for previous academic sessions.Non-compliance may lead to suspension or withdrawal of conditional approval.
